With ‘some of the best legal practitioners in the country’, Buddle Findlay boasts specialists in insolvency, debt restructuring, litigation, and liquidation. The firm advises the full range of players in the sector, including administrators, liquidators, and receivers. Scott Abel, ‘one of the brightest insolvency lawyers’, and Scott Barker, an experienced litigator, jointly lead the team. David Broadmore advises on debt recovery and insolvency matters, while Myles O’Brien is knowledgeable in distressed debt solutions. Bridie McKinnon is another notable member of the department with expertise in disputes and arbitrations concerning trust and estates. In December 2023, David Perry retired from the partnership and took on a consultancy role at the firm.

Chapman Tripp supports clients through their matters from the outset of distressed situations, advising on debt restructuring, voluntary administrations, distressed transactions, and litigation. The firm is instructed by directors, creditors, receives, liquidators, and administrators. Michael Harper, well-versed in voluntary administrations, and Michael Arthur, experienced in contentious matters, are the heads of the practice. Within the team, Mark Reese advises creditors and receivers, while Janko Marcetic assists receivers, directors, and interim liquidators with their matters.

‘Renowned for its thorough approach’, Russell McVeagh supports clients through insolvency processes, enforcement proceedings, debt restructuring, and derivatives actions, including debt recovery. The firm advises on the particularly active development and construction industries, as well as the hospitality and retail sectors. ‘At the top of his game’, practice head Matt Kersey is frequently instructed on cross-border insolvencies. Kirsten Massey brings experience advising on insolvency matters in the UK. Other key members of the practice include the ‘superb’ Alex MacDuff, who advises on debt restructuring and administrations, and Jeremy Upson. Polly Pope left the firm in December 2023 for the independent Bar.

The team at Simpson Grierson contains dedicated restructuring and insolvency specialists who are highly capable of covering the gamut of corporate stress. The firm’s expertise includes security enforcement, distressed debt trading, and restructuring investment, as well as cross-border insolvency assistance. The team is led by Wellington-based Josh Cairns, a cross-border insolvency expert, and James Caird in Auckland, who focuses on complex debt restructurings. Steve Flynn is well-versed in restructuring and insolvencies in a corporate context, while Ben Upton is also noted for his work as an insolvency litigator.

Spread between Auckland and Christchurch, the team at Anthony Harper assists receivers, liquidators, and administrators on a wide range of matters, including terms of appointment, security prioritisation, director liability, and assets sales. The firm is also well-versed in corporate recovery and insolvency litigation. The practice is overseen by Crispin Vinnell, who is experienced advising banks, finance companies, chartered accountants, and insolvency practitioners. Dan Hughes and Lynne Van are seasoned insolvency litigators within the team. Making partner in November 2023, Chloe Jolliffe supports clients in their corporate recovery matters.

Bell Gully advises on contentious and non-contentious matters for banks, accounting firms, and receivers. The firm is also well-versed in liquidation settings. Leading the team, Tim Fitzgerald advises on restructurings, enforcement disputes, and debt recovery. David McPherson’s work includes distressed debt acquisitions and receiverships, while Sarah Anderson-Butler supports financial institutions, non-bank lenders, and receivers in international contexts. Daniel Vizor regularly aids clients in liquidations and voluntary administrations.

Dentons New Zealand advises on structuring and restructuring matters for both shareholders and directors. The firm’s broader expertise includes director liability, appointments, creditor claims, and cross-border issues. James McMillan heads the team, regularly supporting banks, insolvency practitioners, and directors. David Shillson is an experienced restructuring practitioner, acting in matters in the construction sector. Liz Lim supports borrowers, lenders and corporate trustees, while Patrick Glennie is noted within the team for frequently acting on liquidation matters.

With the ability to draw on experts across the globe, DLA Piper New Zealand is experienced in supporting clients with cross-border insolvencies. The firm is also regularly instructed by insolvency practitioners, banks, and secured creditors within New Zealand on domestic matters. Michael Thompson, advising on distressed financing restructures and directors’ duties, co-heads the team alongside Iain Thain, a seasoned liquidation advisor. Rachel Brown supports clients with their disposals of interests in distressed situations. In December 2023, Alicia Murray left the firm.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts brings experience in handling distressed situations for clients across a range of industries, including agribusiness, construction, energy, mining, health, and crypto. The firm is regularly approached by bank and insolvency practitioners for domestic and international matters. Based in Auckland, security enforcement expert Sean Gollin and Michael Langdon, who is well-versed in cross-border matters, spearhead the group. Richard Gordon advises trading banks on debt recovery, while Charlotte Carey is experienced in litigation surrounding restructuring and insolvencies.

TWA Legal Limited is a boutique restructuring and insolvency firm, supporting secured and unsecured creditors, distressed borrowers, insolvency practitioners, and directors. Jennifer Tunna is a co-head of the practice, with particular experience advising on asset sales in distressed situations. Fellow co-head Kerry Puddle specialises in litigation. Mike Whale is regarded as a ‘go-to expert when technical issues are faced’, and Michael Anderson is experienced in advising clients on debt issues and managed funds.